Jan 7, 2014

10:13 PM

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton Enters Race for Governor

by Jennifer Swift

Mark Boughton's Facebook

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton has put rumor to rest, and with the change of his campaign website Monday night, offically signaled he's in the race for governor.

Boughton is also expected to make the announcement official Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Danbury, where his site says he will be available to "discuss his future plans" with the press.

Up until the re-launch of his campaign website very late Monday night, and a change of photos on his campaign Facebook page, Boughton had declined to say if he had reached a decision. He launched an exploratory committee for governor in August.

Boughton is the longest-serving mayor in the state.

He did not return a phone call seeking comment Monday.

This is Boughton's second attempt to secure the governor's mansion. A former state representative and high school teacher, Boughton ran for governor first in 2010. Prior to the Republican primary, Boughton dropped his bid to lieutenant governor. The primary put him on the ticket with Tom Foley, who has also formed an exploratory committee.

Boughton has already said he will not run for lieutenant governor.

Boughton has indicated he intends to qualify for the state's public campaign financing program if he enters the race. The program gives a candidate who raises $250,000 in qualifying contributions, $1.25 million for a primary race and $6 million for the general election.